fortuneswheel by Lisanne Norman Page A

Raguul. "It's gone!"

"We've lost fighter Delta One, sir," said Tactics quietly.

"Message from the Cheku, sir," said Communications. "Fleet Commander Vroozoi is demanding a report concerning your engagement with the hostile craft."

Raguul began to smile as he saw the fighters and destroyers from the Cheku reach his own craft. "He wasn't quite as prepared as he thought he was," he said softly. "Tell Fleet Commander Vroozoi he'll have my report after I've spoken to Sholan High Command," he said briskly, getting to his feet and heading off to his briefing room. He was going to enjoy making this call. "Raise HQ on the comm for me," he ordered. "Kolem, you have the bridge."

"Aye, sir."

     
    * * *
     
    The next afternoon Kusac arrived at the medical section for his appointment with Vanna. He was directed to one of the smaller diagnostic and treatment rooms.

"On your own?" she said with a grin, getting up to welcome him. "How did you manage to get rid of your Security escort?"

He touched her hand fleetingly in greeting. "I gave my promise. I'm only leaving my quarters for the hearings and this."

She indicated the examination couch. "What about food? Are you eating in your room?"

Kusac eyed the array of gimbal-mounted scanning devices nestling neatly against the wall. He sat down reluctantly, then eased his legs up onto the couch. "The food's adequate."

"How long is this supposed to go on?" she asked, cutting the soiled bandage free. "They can't keep you isolated from the rest of us for long because of the psychological effects."

"Till after the hearings, at least. Beyond that I have no idea. Security says it's for our own protection, nothing more," he said, leaning forward to look at his thigh in an effort to show an interest he didn't feel.

"Protection from what? Guynor is in the brig," she said, gently examining the barely visible gash. "It's coming along nicely, thank goodness. I'll run an ultrasound scan to check how it's healing below the surface."

She reached for the small hand scanner that lay on the end of the couch near her. "I really don't like field medicine," she admitted. "Energy weapon wounds can easily turn nasty without the proper treatment, and I was afraid we'd have problems with yours because of my lack of equipment. Pity Carrie couldn't repeat the work she did on your shoulder, but she did manage to accelerate the healing very nicely." She passed the scanner over his leg, checking the readings.

"You're doing fine," she confirmed. "I'll just give you a short burst of ultrasound, then redo the dressing. It's going to be painful for some time."

Returning the scanner to her desk, she picked up a sealed pack. "Did you hear about all the excitement last night?" she asked.

"No. What happened?"

"Apparently a Valtegan ship has been hiding in-system since we arrived. Last night it made a run for it."

"Did it escape?"

"Afraid so. It went into jump, taking one of our fighters with it. By the way, next time you come, I'll be in my new room," she said, ripping the pack open. "They're working on it now."

Placing the pad over the wound, she quickly and efficiently rebound the injury. "It's in keeping with my new status as a Physician. Now, lie back, I want to run some scans on your brain chemistry."

He lay down and stared at the ceiling, blinking as he tried to avoid looking at the bright overhead lights. He was on edge and he knew it. Thankfully Vanna was in a chatty mood which meant he didn't have to make an effort with conversation.

"Headache?" she asked, swinging the scanner out and over his head, effectively blocking out the brightness.

He could see his face mirrored in the interior of the device. His inner eyelids were showing again.

"A bit," he admitted. "A dull ache behind my eyes."

"Photosensitive?"

He nodded, instantly regretting it.

"Keep your head still, please," she said, her voice becoming a little distant as she moved away from the scanner.

He heard her working at her keyboard.

"How